"This was one of the scariest things I have ever witnessed in person. I can't even begin to describe how surreal it was. Helicopters, assault rifles, tear gas, camoflauge-wearing soldiers.... why? Was that really necessary?"

Please pass this on. I believe people are starting to organize around this incident. -------------------------------------- UTAH RAVERS TREATED LIKE TERRORISTS! EVOL INTENT'S ACCOUNT OF THE INCIDENT!

Originally Posted by knick evl ntnt

Last night, I was booked to play an event about an hour outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. The hype behind this show was huge, they presold 700 tickets and they expected up to 3,000 people total. The promoters did an amazing job with the show.. they even made slipmats with the flyers on them to promote in local shops.

So, we got to the show around 11:15 or so and it was really cool. It was all outdoors, in a valley surrounded by huge mountains. They had an amazing light show flashing on to a mountain behind the site, the sound was booming, the crowd was about 1500 people thick and everything just seemed too good to be true really. Well...

At about 11:30 or so, I was standing behind the stage talking with someone when I noticed a helicopter pulling over one of the mountain tops. I jokingly said "Oh look, here comes big brother" to the person I was with. I wasn't far off.

The helicopter dipped lower and lower and started shining its lights on the crowd. I was kind of in awe and just sat and watched this thing circle us for a minute. As I looked back towards the crowd I saw a guy dressed in camoflauge walking by, toting an assault rifle. At this point, everyone was fully aware of what was going on . A few "troops" rushed the stage and cut the sound off and started yelling that everyone "get the fuck out of here or go to jail". This is where it got really sticky.

No one resisted. That's for sure. They had police dogs raiding the crowd of people and I saw a dog signal out a guy who obviously had some drugs on him. The soldiers attacked the guy (4 of them on 1), and kicked him a few times in the ribs and had their knees in his back and sides. As they were cuffing him, there was about 1000 kids trying to leave in the backdrop, peacefully. Next thing I know, A can of fucking TEAR GAS is launched into the crowd. People are running and screaming at this point. Girls are crying, guys are cussing... bad scene.

Now, this is all I saw with my own eyes, but I heard plenty of other accounts of the night. Now this isnt gossip I heard from some candy raver, these are instances cited straight out of the promoters mouth..

- One of the promoters friends (a very small female) was attacked by one of the police dogs. As she struggled to get away from it, the police tackled her. 3 grown men proceeded to KICK HER IN THE STOMACH.

- The police confiscated 3 video tapes in total. People were trying to document what was happening out there. The police saw one guy filming and ran after him, tackled him and his camera fell, and luckily.. his friend grabbed it and ran and got away. priceless footage. That's not all though. Out of 1,500 people, there's sure to be more footage.

- The police were rounding up the staff of the party and the main promoter went up to them with the permit for the show and said "here, I have the permit." The police then said, "no you don't" and ripped the permit out of his hand. Then, they put an assault rifle to his forehead and said "get the fuck out of here right now."

Now.. let's get the facts straight here.

This event was 100% legal. They had every permit the city told them they needed. They had a 2 MILLION DOLLAR insurance policy for the event. They had liscenced security guards at the gates confiscating any alcohol or drugs found upon entry (yes, they searched every car on the way in). Oh, I suppose I should mention that they arrested all the security guards for possession.

Oh another interesting fact.. the police did not have a warrant. The owner of the land already has a lawsuit against the city for something similar. A few months ago, she rented her land for a party and the police raided that as well. And catch this, the police forced her to LEAVE HER OWN PERSONAL PROPERTY. That's right. They didnt arrest her, but made her leave her own property!!!

Don't get it twisted, this is all going down in probably THE most conservative state in the USA. And this is scary.. a gross violation of our civil liberties. The police wanted this party shut down, so they made it happen. Even though everything about this event was legal. The promoters spent over $ 20,000 on this show and did everything they had to to make it legit, only to have it taken away from them by a group of radical neo-con's with an agenda.

This was one of the scariest things I have ever witnessed in person. I can't even begin to describe how surreal it was. Helicopters, assault rifles, tear gas, camoflauge-wearing soldiers.... why? Was that really necessary?

This needs to be big news across the USofA. At least in our music scene (edm as a whole)... this could happen to any of us at any time. When we're losing the right to gather peacefully, we're also letting the police set a standard of what we can get away with. And I think that's BULLSHIT!

The system fucked up last night... They broke up a party that was 100% legal and they physically hurt a lot of people there at the same time. The promoters already have 6 lawsuits ready to file with their lawyers and the ACLU is already involved.

I'm sure some pictures (and hopefully some video) will surface soon. I'll make sure to post them up here on 404, so you can see the Police State of America at work.

p.s. - there are more stories of police brutality that i'll post up later. gotta hit the airport soon. can't wait to get the fuck out of this shit hole state.

Numerous accounts from attendees of an outdoor electronic music event in Utah county indicate excessive force used by Sherrif and SWAT officers. A video has surfaced depicting officers dressed in full military fatigues raiding the main stage of the event. Local news stations side with police in initial reports.

Attendees of the outdoor electronic music event dubbed "Versus II" taking place the evening of Saturday, August 20th in the Diamond Fork area of Spanish Fork Canyon in Utah County arrived at the event with confidence that the concert organizers had obtained the proper permits and legal clearance to hold the event. Personal accounts available at the local electronic community websiteutrave.org paint a scene of police brutality and mayhem, many accounts bearing eyewitness to the forceful arrest of young girls.

Reports state that at approximately 11:30pm upwards of 90 officers, many wearing full camouflage gear, gathered from Sherrif and SWAT departments in surrounding areas stormed the previously peaceful gathering dedicated to music and dance. At least 1 helicopter was dispatched, along with large tranport vehicles designated for both officers and detainees. Numerous statements from attendees indicate excessive force being exerted by many officers. Inuries including mild to severe bruises and cuts have been reported by party goers as young as age 17.

The Utah County Sherrif's Office has expressed a long term vendetta against what they call "Rave" parties. Statements from the Sherrif's office as well as eyewitness accounts make it clear that this was a premeditated attack on the promoters and community supporting these events. While the Sherrif's office has stated that many drugs and pieces of paraphernalia were obtained, they fail to note how many of the 60+ citations were for drug violations. Many accounts indicate the majority of citations and arrests were for resisting arrest. The Sherrif's office states that the party was raided on the grounds of failure to obtain a mass gathering permit for an event hosting more than 250 attendees. Reports vary as to the number in attendance, estimation ranging from 250 to 1,400. Controversy exists as to whether a mass gathering permit was actually obtained, however, a Health Department permit was obtained, and hired security and emergency medical service personnel were on site.

Many eyewitness accounts indicate that officers singled out party goers attempting to document the events on camcorders, cameras and camera phones. Victims have claimed that officers knocked cameras out of the hands of the owner, even confiscating some. Luckily, one video has surfaced, and is quickly spreading across the internet, as well as being featured by at least one local news station. The video clearly displays a large number of officers dressed in full camouflage fatigues, some brandishing rifles. In the higher quality version of the video, which includes sound, it is apparent that the use of a taser was employed. While the video is somewhat unclear at times, the viewer can plainly see an officer atop a young girl fully subdued on the ground on her stomach; he swings on her at least twice, as more officers rush forward to manhandle the girl. It is clear that many others were subdued using similar levels of force.

Initial reports from local news stations side with the Sherrif's Office, one anchor calling the event a "drug party" without batting an eye. Reports tend to focus on the drugs and paraphernalia acquired by police, rather than the obvious violation of civil liberties reported by those in attendance and depicted by the amateur video, which has been provided to all major local news agencies.

Surprisingly, the local Fox News affiliate Fox 13 seemed to give the most unbiased report, stating that many attendees had reported excessive force, as well as showing the official media response from the Utah County Sherrif's Office. Clips of the previously mentioned video were also shown.

Other news agencies have gone along with the Sherrif's Office in painting a picture of drugs, guns, and sexual assault running rampant at electronic music events in general, and especially this one. KUTV Channel 2 News blatantly inferred that the hired security was merely in place to prevent the sale of drugs by anyone but the event organizers. All major reports restate the claim made by the Sherrif's department that a 17-year-old girl was found by officers to have overdosed on ecstasy, treated on site, then released to her parents.

Many attendees and members of the electronic music and dance community are organizing lawsuits against the Sherrif's Office. The ACLU has been contacted as well as many organizations dedicated to educating and protecting the electronic music community. Vigilant party goers are compiling evidence, including video and pictures of the event, as well as personal accounts and documentation of injuries inflicted by law enforcement.

be sure to watch the video. its ridiculious. they busted into the party wearing that you would see soldiers wearing in iraq for chrissake.

Originally Posted by *Alisha* Alisha's account

This is my account of events that unfolded while attending an outdoor electronic music event. I arrived shortly before 9 pm sharp. My two friends and i set up camp and headed to the stage. All was well and peaceful enjoying the music to the full extent while dancing. Around 11:30pm or so i noticed a helicopter flying above the main stage of the event. At this point i am confused. The chopper began to come in closer to the stage with a search light focused on the crowd. I got nervous and still very confused and walked over to find my two friends I had arrived with earlier. Just as soon as i did that I looked over at my friend and asked "whats going on". That is when I was greeted by a man in full army attire, gas mask and all. He said to leave. I said what whats going on, at which point i was brutally attacked. Thrown to the ground and in the scuffle punched in the face by swat. That was not it either. I suppose i posed some a threat as another swat member rushed over to subdue me to the ground puting his knee in my back and arresting me. At that point I am screaming to a patron "whats going on?" He is just as confused as I am. At that point another swat member came over and kicked me in the leg. Let me tell you that I also only weigh 130 pounds. I had three grown men attack and beat me and throw me to ground for absolutely no reason at all. Not to mention being dragged to a van and violently being tossed in and taken to jail. Fined for resisting arrest and another outrageous charge. I do need to mention also that while this is all happening to me at the same time my two friends, a boy and girl were trying to reach out and stop them, at that point they were attacked and arrested as well.

That is my account. I have all the bruises to show. Our basic human rights were violated in a very bad way. We have to tell our story. Do all that you can and dont be afraid to speak up.

Please send the vidoe footage of this Nazi like raid on a permitted event to MTV and VH1 as soon as possible!!!!! Send to every Music mag & Rolling Stone etc. This was so incredible. If you don't speak out this will only happen more & more........

I'll bet there was waaay more drug consumption, sexual assault, firearms violations, drunk driving, and general debaucherous behaviour at the RNC than any rave ever thrown. The police need civilian oversight for their own protection. How do these guys sleep at night?

Well if you read the article, anyone with a reading comprehension past grade 6 will know that that article from the dj is full of lies. Cops kicking people on the ground, point weapons at peoples faces...come on. Firing tear gas too? Wheres the proof? The only thing you see on the video is a bunch of SWAT officers...not SOLDIERS (Posse comitatus) putting people on the ground. As you can see none of them have their weapons shouldered and pointing at people. They were there for intimidation...whos going to riot when you got gear up SWAT officers on the premise?

There was over a thousand people there...you think they are going to send a couple squad cars there to break it up? No they came in prepared for anything that would happen.

And using dogs to scare people off...what would you rather have? K9's barking at you to move along or a K9 on your ass? Ive seen after effects of dog bites and they arent pretty.

Mostly speculation at the moment from my point of view until I see actual proof, not allegations. Usually operations performed like this will have cameras on the police side aswell to prevent shitstorms like this.

Not so long ago, similar issue, only on a little large scale (about 5000 participants) happedn in Czech Republic on CzechTek.

The land was legally rented. The cops, however, blocked access to the land. They said the land owner canceled the contract -- however, that was surprising news for the land owner, because he didn't. There were many, many lies, such as that the three water cannons on place were used only to cool down cops in the heatwave, that the deal mentiones 50 people only (doesn't, copy was published in media), that there is no access road to the land (there is, a nice asphalt road), that the access road is private (it isn't, and if it was, our laws allow movement of unlimited ammount of persons if you want to get to your land, owned or ranted), that the participants had a lot of drugs (drop-in, czech antidrug center, prooved otherwise -- and at a goverment-approved party two weeks later, there were syringes on toilets on regular basis... compared to none on czechtek)... Prime minister eg. proclaimed that the ravers are agressive anarchistic junkies, and also requested to "pack them into buses and get them out of the republic, if they lie down on the ground". He also said the ravers covered land of about 100ha, which is quite surprising, since the whole area has about 35ha (out of which about half was rented). The official estimates are based on exagareted guesses of a private farmer whose green field got mildly damaged.

There were 1200 fully armed cops in the assault, 3 water cannons, 1 armed personal carrier, the assault costs 31M CZK (about 1.25M USD), the possible damage to freshly cut green fields, which was the final (but not first!) pretext on which the assault commenced, would be... I dunnow, few thousands crowns?

Official numbers say a hundred wounded cops vs 35 wounded ravers. However, about 90 of the cops wounds are eg. damaged joints, scratches and others, because the ravers would first have to get through the raging line of cops and falling tear gas grenades and -- and the medics would first have to get through the same. Some medics even refused to aid. A lot of ravers were scared to get some help. At least two ravers are dead, one was linked here within the coments, one may or may not be directly relevant to the assault. Cops were shooting dogs and laughing about it. They stuck guns in people's mouths and pointed at people with guns, people who were unarmed.

There were multiple demonstrations with few thousand participants, and the only effect is a charge against unknown person, since some of the participants threw eggs at the interior ministry.

Four cops who were on one particular scene that was wildly repeated in the media were on forced holiday. The leader of assault, the interior minister and the prime minister ("I demand as strong intervention as possible") are safe, sound and unpunished.

To also quote from testimonies (published by Mlada Fronta, author of the whole article is Radka Chromovska): "..In the afternoon, a car drove down with a hailer, saying that we should leave. We heard it only because we were standing almost next to them. There were soundsystems playing up there and there's no way anyone could hear anything up there. After a while, the cops started marching. They've grouped up and went right on us. I've run away, jumped on the roof of the car and took photos of everything. My pregnant friend, she's in seventh month, got scared and gone to ask them if she can hide with them. They told her she's a fucking junkie and to get out of their way. They roughly hit her and threw her away on the ground. They are brutal and they beat even small girls.", "...Some are really maniacs. I'm surprised, that one can discuss with some. However, those who are discussing with us are quickly replaced by some other cop, who is ready to beat. They are beating little girls, and that's really something. Next tome, some maniac wildly beats a small little girl. I'm going there and overlie her. I put one hand on the chest to protect my ribs and the other on the neck, so they won't break my spine. He pulls me away from the girl and continues beating her. I don't get it, I don't get anything and I feel like in a stupid movie.", "...Now I see a girl, young, small, who doesn't want leave her car, it's obviously everything she has, her boyfriend shouts at hear to get away, he runs there to pull her away from the black bastards, but he didn't make it, the girl disappears in a swarm of tonfa's and kicks and he stays there and without a movement waits till the cops get to him and beat him as well..." (this man got his eye permanently damaged by a tear gas grenade hitting it directly).

Ok so your saying getting bit by a k9 isnt so bad...then whats so bad if the officers actually pointed their firearm at your face? Big deal...they didnt pull the trigger. Thats your point of view right?

Ahhh, Dr. Right, I see you are a big supporter of state-sponsored terrorism. I wish that you would come to my state and set foot on my property, so that I could instruct you personally on the appropriate conservative response to tyranny and its domestic supporters.

I'm a Conservative --- let the ravers party. Who cares what people do with their own bodies at night? Those SWAT tyrants, what were those cowardly swine so afraid of? A bunch of kids on Ecstasy? What were those kids going to do, hug the tyrants to death?

Tyrants and their supporters must be KILLED. Our Constitutional Republic depends on it. Freedom isn't free.

That pig sheriff has been lying to the media about tasers and K-9 units, denying that any were used. If you view the video "Inframetrics Helicopter Video" that was released to the media about the raid, you will hear them mention tasers about halfway through the recording. Also, you'll see guard troops moving in the first half of the video towards the dance area. You can see a few of them leading dogs on leashes as they approach the stage; the dogs' silhouette is quite clearly a german shepard. From cops' moving lips, lies will drip.

The answer is spread truth about 9-11-01 with the liberty club, http://www.thelibertyclub.net/user/vicjo5/. Nesara public announcement see http://www.nesara.us, http://www.fourwinds10.com and http://www.sunriseofthesolardisk.com, and other links. Nesara brings a peace president, abolishment of FED, new precious metals backed currency, forgiveness of all debt, return to constitutional government of, for, and by the people, 5th dimensional planet, 5th dimensional people, first contact of our relatives, the star people, the unity of heaven's hiearchy with earth's people both surface and inter earth, and many more blessings!

The answer is spread truth about 9-11-01 with the liberty club, http://www.thelibertyclub.net/user/vicjo5/. Nesara public announcement see http://www.nesara.us, http://www.fourwinds10.com and http://www.sunriseofthesolardisk.com, and other links. Nesara brings a peace president, abolishment of FED, new precious metals backed currency, forgiveness of all debt, return to constitutional government of, for, and by the people, 5th dimensional planet, 5th dimensional people, first contact of our relatives, the star people, the unity of heaven's hiearchy with earth's people both surface and inter earth, and many more blessings!

Was looking for info on the PS 90 rifle and came across the article about excessive force and civil rights violations at the rave in UTAH. Without being there or seeing evidence it seems very bizarre. I am by no means saying that it did not occur as described. I have been a law enforcement officer about 12 years and left Philadelphia Police because of the corruption and excessive force used. You can goggle search my name if you would like. In Philadelphia you had the MOVE incidents and everyone should remember WACO and the infamous RUBY RIDGE. Why hasn't the FBI CRIMINAL who killed Vicki Weaver been prosecuted? Godspeed Sammy Weaver. Yeah I remember those other guys (NAZI's) who claimed to be following orders too. The reason I am writing is because someone posted a message to "kill the cops". The pen is mightier than the sword. I would also suggest that it is not such a good idea to be writing or warning anyone or group that you are intending to kill them or attack. If you remember it was well known that ATF was going to converge on WACO and they loss the element of surprise. This cost many lives unnecessarily. Yeah ATF lied about the drugs because there is a declared "War on Drugs" and by lying in their official reports enhanced their ability to employ the military tactics and support used. Timothy McVeigh who bombed the Murray building unecessarily was from my readings a tremendous individual who became misguided in his quest and hast to change the crazy laws and actions in this US Government. The 1994 Gun Ban has gone! The whole incident is very unfortunate for ALL INCLUDING MCVEIGH being executed. My 5th grade teacher taught me 2 wrongs do not make a right. For me to even write this publicly is dangerous as well as posting any bumper stickers on the back of your car or the music you may be playing, cassetttes or DVDs in your car if you are shot by POLICE during a car stop. THEY WILL BE LOOKED AT EVALUATED and it is possible used to say they influenced your actions which precipitated the shooting. They will consider the lyrics and if they are against the police or government, it may not be so good for you. Just remember if you claim the POLICE or GOVERNMENT is out to get you, YOU ARE A NUT! BUT if the GOVERNMENT or POLICE say you (an individual or private group) is against them IT IS GOSPLE. I pray that there is a peaceful resolution and DO NOT BEAT DRUMS BEFORE YOU HUNT TIGERS.

Like it or not, reality says otherwise. The original concept is http://www.nesara.org The hoax, made up 2 days after the above link called them liars they really are is http://www.nesara.us and has zip to do with the original. Thanks to said hoaxsters, there is even less chance than zero of it ever coming into existence. Chances are that you'll be drinking kool-aid and hitching a ride on a spaceship behind a comet, twice, before this ever happens.

According to a Salt Lake Tribune article Weird Laws Clutter the Utah Code Utah parents can give written permission to teachers to hit their children even though none of Utah's public school do it. (Dan Harrie and Judy Fahys, January 18, 1998).

The law was passed in 1992 and says: "A school employee may not inflict or cause the infliction of corporal punishment upon a child who is receiving services from the school, unless written permission has been given by the student's parent or guardian to do so." UTAH LAW 53A-11-802 http://www.le.state.ut.us/~code/TITLE53A/htm/53A0C034.htm

In other words, who ever a child lives with- be it an adoptive parent, step-parent, or uncle- can tell teachers to hit the child with a thick board leaving redness and welts. The thick board is called a "paddle" and was invented to beat slaves.

Since the end of slavery in 1865 America's schools and institutions have step by step abolished corporal punishment. Hundreds of global and US organizations like the United Nations, the US Parent and Teacher Association, and the National Association of State Boards of Education have passed resolutions against corporal punishment. They believe students have the same right to be protected from physical violence as do wives, animals, and criminals.

According to Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance, "the LDS church has consistently discouraged this approach to child rearing. President Hinckley: "called physical abuse of children unnecessary, unjustified and indefensible." He said: "I have never accepted the principle of 'spare the rod and spoil the child.' I am persuaded that violent fathers produce violent sons. Children don't need beating. They need love and encouragement." (http://www.religioustolerance.org/lds_intr.htm)

5 years after the 1992 Utah law was passed, the Utah Senate tried to ban school beatings completely.

The Salt Lake City Tribune wrote an excellent editorial supporting the proposal. It explained that beating students in front of their peers "implies they are less worthy of respect, less human than those whose whose parents say "keep your hands off my child." "Hands Off Those Students," 23 January 1997

But when the Senate sent the bill to the Utah House, the House disagreed and the bill died.

Now 10 years later the state Office of Education has a regulation against beating students but it does not override the law allowing beatings with guardian permission. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance stated in a 2006 report that while it is not practiced, some school districts "do not have a formal ban in place."

While school staff may be under the impression that it is illegal, some districts are still printing handbooks saying teachers can beat students with permission.

For example, the Salt Lake Tribune reported that San Juan School District's school board unanimously opposed the idea of ending school beatings. Its handbook states:

SAFE SCHOOLS POLICY A school employee may not inflict or cause the infliction of corporal punishment upon a student who is receiving services from the school unless written permission has been given by the student’s parent or guardian to do so. This applies to students under the age of eighteen (18), or under the age of twenty three (23) if the student is receiving educational services as an individual with a disability. http://www.sanjuan.k12.ut.us/Policy/6000/6500/6510.htm

How is beating students with thick wooden board part of a "Safe School?" And safe for who? Teachers who can't handle students criticizing them to their friends?

What kind of school lets guardians give permission to beat 22 year old disabled students?

In 1984, 1 in 2000, (about 240) students in Utah were beaten according to completely optional government surveys. The number does not show the number of instances these students were beaten. Furthermore, the Office of Civil Rights considers the optional surveys to be a significant underestimate.

On top of the disgusting policies of public schools like San Juan and Kane, Utah's law and State Board regulations have no effect on school beatings in private schools. In fact, the government does not collect statistics on hitting in private schools, so there is no way to know for sure whether it is being used.

Graduates from private boarding schools for American Indians remember "the 'hotline' in which the offending student was forced to walk a gauntlet of classmates wielding belts or sticks or hairbrushes."

"The girls had to walk the gauntlet and get the backs of their legs switched, and if the switcher was too light on the switch, they had to do it hard. These girls had legs that were swollen three times their size" (American Indians Describe School Beatings , By Matt Kelley, The Associated Press , April 24, 1999)

In 2006 SURVEY USA found that only a tiny minority - 15% - of Utah citizens supported corporal punishment in school. Why should their unfortunate children be humiliated in front of their protected classmates?

The poll's results show that Utah legislators have a responsibility to enforce the will of the overwhelming majority of its citizens and free children once and for all from the threat of school beatings.